Maple Pork Loin with Apples and Onions
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
436 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Maple Pork Loin with Apples and Onions
Description
Maple Pork Loin with Apples and Onions brings together a center-cut pork loin seared to develop a caramelized exterior before roasting with apples, onions, and a flavorful liquid mixture including apple juice, orange juice, maple syrup, bourbon (optional), and cinnamon. The roasting process melds the pork’s savory flavors with the natural sweetness of the fruits and syrup, resulting in tender meat and softened roasted apples and onions that carry the warmth of cinnamon. The final result balances rich pork with fruity and spiced accents.
The pork loin is first seasoned and pan-seared on all sides to create a golden brown crust that locks in juices. Apples and onions surround the meat in the pan, soaking up the slightly sweet and spiced liquid poured over them. The oven finishes the cooking, gently roasting the components together until pork reaches a safe internal temperature, and the fruit and onions become tender and caramelized. Resting the pork after roasting allows juices to redistribute for moist slices.
This dish pairs well as a standalone main course with the roasted apples and onions as a side, appealing to those who enjoy a melding of savory meat with a touch of sweet fruit and spice. The pan juices can be drizzled over the pork to enhance the flavor. It suits family dinners or special meals where a hearty protein with seasonal produce is desired.
The recipe suggests cooking the loin until it reaches 145-150 degrees F internally and letting it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. If bourbon is not desired, it can be omitted without compromising the basic flavor profile. The use of Gala or Fuji apples provides a sweet and mildly tart contrast. Searing in olive oil helps develop the crust and prevents sticking.
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon optional, of choice
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pork loin 3 pound, center cut
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- 3 apple quartered and core removed, large, Gala or Fuji varieties
- 1 onion sliced, small
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a small bowl combine the garlic, apple juice, orange juice, syrup, bourbon and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Heat a large oven going skillet over medium heat. Season all sides of the pork loin with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil in heated skillet then place the pork roast fat cap down in skillet. Sear for 5 minutes then sear remaining sides for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add sliced onions to the pan around the pork loin. Add in apples then drizzle with reserved apple juice mixture. Season with salt and pepper then place in preheated oven for 60-75 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reads 145-150 degrees F. Remove loin from pan and let rest 10 minutes before cutting to serve. Serve with the roasted apples and drizzle with pan juices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 436 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 436kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 51g | 102% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 114mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 1024mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 70IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 11.1mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.